James B. Sikking, the distinguished actor celebrated for his roles on Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D., has died at the age of 90.
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Sikking passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, due to complications from dementia.
His publicist, Cynthia Snyder, confirmed the news, highlighting Sikking’s illustrious career spanning over six decades in television, film, and stage.
“His wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy, and hilarious farce,” Snyder said in a statement.
Sikking is best known for his portrayal of Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues from 1981 to 1987.
His performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 1984. Following this, he starred as Dr. David Howser, father of Neil Patrick Harris’s character, in Doogie Howser, M.D., which aired from 1989 to 1993.
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He also appeared in Steven Bochco’s Brooklyn South (1997-98) and made guest appearances on series such as Perry Mason, General Hospital, and The Rockford Files.
In film, Sikking played Captain Styles in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and appeared in The Pelican Brief and several other notable films, including Point Blank and Ordinary People.
Born James Barrie Sikking on March 5, 1934, in Los Angeles, he graduated from UCLA with a degree in theatre arts in 1959.
He was married to Florine Caplan for over 60 years. Sikking is survived by his wife, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking, and four grandchildren.
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